148th New York Infantry

Item LTR-6815

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages written in period ink.


December 18, 1864

Dear Wife,

I received a letter from you last night and was glad to hear that you was well. I am well. Today is Sunday and everything is very still and today I’m thinking of home. Dear, you don’t know how much I think of you and my home and the comforts of home. But today finds me far [from] home, deprived of the privileges from that I used to enjoy. But thank God time is rolling fast away and my trust is in the God of Battles. He can take care of me right in the field of battle as well as he can by the quiet fireside at home.

I am glad to know that I have one to think of me and pray for me and I have faith in the influence of your prayer. Dear, you must not worry any about me for God will take care of me. Keep up good courage. My time for Uncle Sam will soon be out and then I will come home and let someone else take my place for I think I have done my share in this war.

Tis cool today and trying to rain which makes it unpleasant for the soldiers for we have a good deal of picket duty to do this winter in the rain. Makes it bad for us poor fellows that have to sit up all night and watch the rebels and keep back.

Dear. You wanted to know about a furlough. Well, I will tell you I do not think I can get one for they say they cannot give any till after the first of January. Then it will be uncertain. So you see how it tis. Tis not but a little over eight months yet today. Keep up good courage. The time will soon roll around. We have had meeting for two weeks every night. We have good preaching. We have a meeting this afternoon and tonight and I look around the tent where we hold meetings, see not the one there that use to go with me and help me in my duties that I owe to God.

Tell Eugene that I would like to see him much. He must not think that I have forgotten him for I have not. Tell him to write to me and tell me how he gets along and how he likes Michigan. Well dear Minerva, you must not get discouraged for there is better days a coming. No more at present. I will close desiring a kiss from [you]. I still remain your true and faithful husband.

Write soon as you get this.
Shadrack Kitson.